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Oil Refinery Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

... oil for the Interior and Northern Alaska communities. We operate our businesses reliably and ... Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a ...

... of the refinery, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure that all conditions and ... Oil spill prevention and cleanup directed by regulatory and safety policies. * Ensure product ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Work directly with clients and front-line operations staff at operating ... refinery process operations, troubleshooting, and small project execution Must have a general ...

... oil spills, and petroleum product specifications required. * Previous operating work experience in ... M|F|D|V EEO POSTER EEO POSTER SUPPLEMENT Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope ...

Demonstrated experience supporting oil and gas production facilities, petrochemical, refining ... paced operating environments where safety, reliability, and operational excellence are top ...

Demonstrated experience supporting oil and gas production facilities, petrochemical, refining ... paced operating environments where safety, reliability, and operational excellence are top ...

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Oil Refinery Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do oil refinery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil refinery operator in Alaska is $23.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an oil refinery operator do?

An Oil Refinery Operator monitors and controls equipment used in refining crude oil into useful products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rates, ensuring the process runs safely and efficiently. Operators conduct routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety procedures to prevent accidents. The role requires attention to detail, technical knowledge, and the ability to respond quickly to any system abnormalities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil refinery operator?

To thrive as an Oil Refinery Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, chemistry, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), process monitoring tools, and safety certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make operators stand out on the job. These abilities are crucial for maintaining efficient, safe refinery operations and preventing costly or hazardous incidents.

What are some typical challenges oil refinery operators face on the job?

Oil Refinery Operators often encounter challenges such as managing equipment malfunctions, responding quickly to process upsets, and maintaining rigorous safety and environmental standards. These roles require alertness and the ability to adapt to changing operating conditions, sometimes during long or rotating shifts. Operators must also stay up to date with evolving technology and regulations, which may involve ongoing training. Working closely with maintenance teams, engineers, and other operators helps effectively address these challenges and keep plant operations running smoothly.

How do I become an oil refinery operator?

To become an oil refinery operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical education in process technology or related fields. Relevant skills include understanding of safety procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance, often supported by certifications such as OSHA safety training. Experience in industrial settings and the ability to work in shifts are also important for this role.

How much do oil refinery operators make?

Oil refinery operators in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific refinery. They often work in shifts and need technical skills to monitor and control refining processes.

Is it hard to get a job at an oil refinery?

Getting a job as an oil refinery operator can be competitive and often requires relevant technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or process safety management. Employers typically look for experience in industrial environments and the ability to work in shifts, but opportunities depend on the region and current industry demand.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Alaska are:

What job categories do people searching Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Alaska look for?

The top searched job categories for Oil Refinery Operator jobs in Alaska are:

Infographic showing various Oil Refinery Operator job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,772 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee

North Pole, AK • On-site


ASRC
Management of Companies and Enterprises • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Petro Star Inc. is a subsidiary of ASRC and was formed in 1984 to fill a unique role in Alaska's petroleum market. Our North Pole Refinery built in 1985 is a 22,000 bbl/day facility, producing heating fuel, kerosene, diesel, jet fuels, and asphalt base oil for the Interior and Northern Alaska communities. 

We operate our businesses reliably and efficiently by strategically developing energy resources to meet growing consumer demands.  Petro Star is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees and the public, as well as promoting concern and respect for the environment.  As an employer, Petro Star is one of the best companies in Alaska providing tremendous future potential where talented people thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for monitoring, controlling and conducting activities that pertain to the safe operation of the refinery, taking corrective action when necessary to ensure that all conditions and operations are in compliance with safety, environmental and operating policies and procedures.
Refinery Operator Trainee is an hourly position, 7 - 12-hour shifts on and 7 days off working a rotating work schedule. Refinery Operator Trainee reports directly to the on-shift Lead Operator.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (and other duties as assigned)

  • The trainee program is a three-step process leading from Trainee 1, Trainee 2 and Trainee 3. Operator Trainee 3's that successfully complete their training program will have an opportunity to advance to the Operator 1 position.
  • Learn the refinery hazards, safety procedures, distillation process and the various components, which make up the refinery.  [During the course of the one-year training period, trainees will be provided with training regarding the plant's hazards, safety procedures and educational materials explaining the distillation process and various components, which make up the refinery.]  The trainee will be tested quarterly for comprehension of assigned training curriculum.
  • Operators and trainees will work side-by-side on a 12 hour 7 days on / 7 days off work schedule.  The trainee will help cover shifts and may not follow the typical shift rotation of two shifts of days and two shifts of nights. Together, the operators and trainees will constitute a "shift" and be responsible for all aspects of the refinery's operation, ranging from housekeeping and maintenance of the unit and property to operation of the process unit during steady-state conditions or start-ups/shutdowns and process upsets.
  • While personal safety and safe operation of the refinery are the most important goals, trainees will be expected to participate in all new construction projects and turnarounds (maintenance work undertaken while the process unit is offline).  Many times, this work will fall on non-shift days, and while Petro Star will not usually require you to work overtime, you should be willing to work a reasonable amount of O/T if requested.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Process technology AA Degree preferred.
  • Engineering, mechanical, pipe welding, environmental, instrumentation, refining experience or construction skills are beneficial but not required.
  • Good math skills.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Ability to quickly grasp and master complex ideas and procedures.
  • Ability to work and function well with other people in a team environment.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • This is not a rotational job on the North Slope.  You must live in the Fairbanks / North Pole area or be willing to relocate at your own expense.
     

Petro Star Inc., a division of ASRC, is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug testing is part of the hiring process.

ASRC and its family of companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status or any other legal protected status.  EOE:  M|F|D|V

Petro Star Inc. is the refining division of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, an Inupiat-owned corporation created as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. 
ASRC's family of companies apply a shareholder preference in employment, to the maximum extent feasible, as authorized by law.

EEO POSTER 

EEO POSTER SUPPLEMENT



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